Inductance Converter Calculator
Convert between inductance units instantly with our advanced calculator. Perfect for electronics, RF design, and power systems.
Unit Converter
Inductor Calculator
Applications
Note: The inductor shows relative size based on inductance value.
Inductor Selection Tips
When selecting an inductor for your design, consider these important factors:
- Saturation Current: Choose an inductor with a saturation current rating higher than your peak current
- DCR (DC Resistance): Lower DCR means less power loss, but typically requires larger inductors
- Size Constraints: Higher inductance values generally require larger physical components
- Operating Frequency: Higher frequencies allow for smaller inductors but may increase core losses
- Temperature Rise: Consider the self-heating effect, especially in high-current applications
Power Electronics
In power electronics, inductors are critical components in:
- DC-DC Converters: Buck (step-down) converters typically use 1-100 μH inductors
- Boost Converters: Step-up converters often require 10-1000 μH inductors
- Power Factor Correction: PFC circuits use 1-10 mH inductors
- EMI Filters: Common mode chokes range from 1-100 mH
The inductor in a switching converter stores energy during the switch-on period and releases it during the switch-off period, maintaining current flow to the load.
RF and Communications
RF applications use inductors for:
- Impedance Matching: Typically 1-100 nH inductors
- Oscillator Circuits: 10 nH - 10 μH depending on frequency
- RF Filters: Band-pass and band-stop filters use precisely tuned inductors
- RF Chokes: Prevent RF signals from entering DC power lines
In RF design, the self-resonant frequency (SRF) of the inductor is critical - it must be well above the operating frequency.
Power Distribution
Power systems use large inductors for:
- Line Reactors: 1-100 mH inductors reduce harmonics and protect equipment
- Transformers: Utilize mutual inductance, typically measured in henries
- Harmonic Filters: Tuned LC filters use specific inductance values to target harmonic frequencies
- Current Limiting: Series inductors limit fault currents in power systems
Automotive Electronics
Modern vehicles use inductors in:
- DC-DC Converters: Converting battery voltage to various system voltages
- Motor Drivers: PWM control circuits for electric motors
- LED Lighting: Current regulators for LED headlights and interior lighting
- EMI Suppression: Reducing electromagnetic interference in sensitive circuits
Automotive-grade inductors must withstand harsh environments, temperature extremes, and vibration.
About Inductance Units
Inductance is a property of an electrical conductor by which a change in current through it induces an electromotive force (EMF) in both the conductor itself and in any nearby conductors.
The SI unit of inductance is the henry (H), named after Joseph Henry. For practical applications, we use various multiples and submultiples of the henry:
- Kilohenry (kH): 1,000 H - Used in very large power systems and theoretical calculations
- Henry (H): Base unit - Used for large power inductors and transformers
- Millihenry (mH): 0.001 H - Common in audio equipment, power supplies, and filters
- Microhenry (μH): 0.000001 H - Used in RF circuits, switching power supplies, and small filters
- Nanohenry (nH): 0.000000001 H - Used in high-frequency circuits and microwave applications
- Picohenry (pH): 0.000000000001 H - Used in ultra-high-frequency applications and integrated circuits